Card reader and method of operating the same

ABSTRACT

A card reader performing a wireless communication with a card includes a first pulse generation unit generating a first detection pulse for detecting the card, a second pulse generation unit generating a plurality of second detection pulses for detecting the card, or a plurality of communication pulses for communicating with the card, and a card detection unit for sensing a card being detected by the first detection pulse or the second detection pulses. In the case that the card is not sensed through the first detection pulse, the second pulse generation unit generates the second detection pulses using the communication pulses and senses the card using the second detection pulses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. non-provisional patent application claims priority under 35U.S.C. §119 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0124422, filed onSep. 18, 2014, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts relate to a card reader.For example, at least some example embodiments relate to a card readerand/or a method of operating the card reader.

A near field communication (NFC) is usually performed between a card anda reader. The card may be built in a mobile device such as a smart phonefor a contactless electronic approval.

An NFC protocol is one field of conventional RFID (radio frequencyidentification) and can operate a terminal fitted with a tag as anactive mode. As a result, the NFC protocol can perform not only afunction as a tag but also a reader reading a tag, a writer inputtinginformation into a tag and P2P between terminals.

An NFC protocol is prescribed by standard in ISO 18092 and can perform anear field communication using various frequency signals such as 125kHz, 135 kHz, and 900 MHz besides 13.56 MHz. The NFC protocol cansupport a reader such as an ISO 14443 TYPEA (Mifare), a TYPEB, a TYPEF(felica) and an IOS 15693 TYPEV and a card such as a TYPEA, a TYPEB, aTYPEF, and a TYPEV.

Recently, a size of an antenna of a card reader using an NFC protocolmay be reduced. By using a small size antenna, a distance that a cardcan be detected using a card detection pulse is reduced. Thus, themaximum wireless communication distance that a card can be detected maybe reduced.

SUMMARY

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts relate to a card readerperforming a wireless communication with a card.

In some example embodiments, the card reader may include a first pulsegeneration unit generating a first detection pulse for detecting thecard, a second pulse generation unit generating a plurality of seconddetection pulses for detecting the card, or a plurality of communicationpulses for communicating with the card, and a card detection unit forsensing a card being detected by the first detection pulse or the seconddetection pulses. In the case that the card is not sensed through thefirst detection pulse, the second pulse generation unit generates thesecond detection pulses using the communication pulses and senses thecard using the second detection pulses.

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts also relate to anoperation method of a card reader detecting a card.

In some example embodiments, the operation method may includeperiodically outputting a first detection pulse for detecting the card,determining whether the card is detected, and sequentially outputting aplurality of second detection pulses using a plurality of communicationpulses for communicating with the card according to a determinationresult.

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts also provide a cardreader.

In some example embodiments, the card reader includes an antenna and aprocessor. The processor may be configured to, output, via the antenna,a first detection pulse to detect a card, and output second detectionpulses, if the card is not detected by the first detection pulse, thesecond detection pulses being generated using communication pulsesassociated with communicating with the card.

In some example embodiments, the processor is configured to detect thecard by waiting for receipt of reflection signal from the card inresponse to the card receiving one of the first detection pulse and thesecond detection pulses.

In some example embodiments, the card reader is configured to supportnear field communication to communicate data with the card using thecommunication pulses after the card is detected.

In some example embodiments, the card reader is configured to generatethe second detection pulses such that the second detection pulses have asignal level higher than a signal level of the first detection pulse andguard times shorter than the communication pulses.

In some example embodiments, the card reader is configured to supplypower to the card during a first one of the guard times, and wait for aresponse from the card during a second one of the guard times.

In some example embodiments, the response from the card is a reflectionsignal generated in response to one of the first detection pulse and thesecond detection pulses.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the inventive concepts will be described below inmore detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts may, however, be embodied indifferent forms and should not be constructed as limited to the exampleembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the inventive concepts to those skilled in theart. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating a new detection pulse inaccordance with some example embodiments of the inventive concepts and astructure of the detection pulse using the detection pulse.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a second example embodiment of the inventiveconcepts.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a second example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a third example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a fourth example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a card detection method inaccordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a third example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a card detection method inaccordance with a second example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a new detection signal outputmethod in accordance with some example embodiments of the inventiveconcepts.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal including awireless communication system in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example embodiments of inventive concepts will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which someexample embodiments are shown. These inventive concepts may, however, beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exampleembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough andcomplete, and will fully convey the scope of the example embodiments ofthe inventive concepts to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, thesize and relative sizes of layers and regions may be exaggerated forclarity. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. maybe used herein to describe various elements, these elements should notbe limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish oneelement from another. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising,” or “includes” and/or “including” whenused in this specification, specify the presence of stated features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, butdo not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/orgroups thereof.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being“connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directlyconnected or coupled to the other element or intervening elements may bepresent. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directlyconnected” or “directly coupled” to another element, there are nointervening elements present. It will also be understood that when anelement such as a layer, region or substrate is referred to as being“on” or “onto” another element, it may lie directly on the other elementor intervening elements or layers may also be present.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a,” “an,” and “the,” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It willbe further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,”“includes,” and/or “including,” when used herein, specify the presenceof stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/orcomponents, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components,and/or groups thereof.

It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, thefunctions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures.For example, two figures shown in succession may in fact be executedsubstantially concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverseorder, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.

Various example embodiments will now be described more fully withreference to the accompanying drawings in which some example embodimentsare shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses of layers and regions areexaggerated for clarity.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wireless communication system 100 in accordancewith some example embodiments of the inventive concepts can support afunction of a near field communication (NFC). The wireless communicationsystem 100 may include a card reader 110 and a card 120.

The card reader 110 may include a timer 111, a first pulse generationunit 112, a second pulse generation unit 130, a first antenna unit 115and a card detection unit 117.

The timer 111 outputs first through fifth clock pulse CLK1˜CLK5 atspecific time intervals. The timer 111 can output the first throughfifth clock pulse CLK1˜CLK5 over a period of different time intervalsrespectively. For instance, the timer 111 can output a first clocksignal CLK1 to the first pulse generation unit 112 at intervals of 500ms from a time period of 2 s through 3 s. However, example embodimentsare not limited thereto.

The timer 111 outputs the second through fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5to first through fourth pulse generators 113 and 114.

The timer 111 outputs the second through fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5after the first clock signal CLK1 is completely output. The timer 111can output the second through fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5 at the sametime. The timer 111 can sequentially output the second through fifthclock signals CLK2˜CLK5.

For convenience of description, it is assumed that the first throughfifth clock signals CLK1˜CLK5 are output from the timer 111. However, asignal being output from the timer 111 is not limited the first throughfifth clock signals CLK1˜CLK5.

The timer 111 may output the first through fifth clock signals CLK1˜CLK5according to a control signal CNTL received from the card detection unit116. The timer 111 may output only a part of the first through fifthclock signals CLK1˜CLK5 according the control signal CNTL output fromthe card detection unit 116. The timer 111 may also stop an output ofthe first through fifth clock signals CLK1˜CLK5 according to the controlsignal CNTL.

The first pulse generation unit 112 receives the first clock signal CLK1from the timer 111. The first pulse generation unit 112 outputs adefault detection pulse DDP to the first antenna unit 115 at intervalsof 500 ms during 2 s through 3 s. However, an output period of thedefault detection pulse DDP is not limited thereto. The first pulsegeneration unit 112 may be called a first detection pulse generationunit 112.

The second pulse generation unit 130 may include the first throughfourth pulse generators 113 and 114 and a card detection unit 116. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the second pulse generator unit 130 may includethe first pulse generator 113 and the fourth pulse generator 114, aswell as the second and third pulse generators (not shown). Forconvenience of description, it is assumed that first through fourthpulse generators 113 and 114 are associated with the second pulsegeneration unit 130. However, example embodiments are not limitedthereto.

The first through fourth pulse generators 113 and 114 receive the secondthrough fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5 from the timer 111, respectively.The first through fourth pulse generators 113 and 114 output firstthrough fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 to the first antenna unit115 according to the second through fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5.

The first through fourth pulse generators 113 and 114 may output only apart of new first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 to the firstantenna unit 115 according to the second through fifth clock signalsCLK2˜CLK5. The first through fourth pulse generators 113 and 114 canoutput the first through fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 to thefirst antenna unit 115 at the same time according to the second throughfifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5.

The new first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 may be referredto as a plurality of second detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4. A level of thesecond detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 may be higher than a level of thedefault detection pulse DDP. However, example embodiments of theinventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The first antenna unit 115 receives the default detection pulse DDP fromthe first pulse generation unit 112. The first antenna unit 115 receivesthe new first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 from the firstthrough fourth pulse generators 113 and 114, respectively. For example,the first antenna unit 115 may receive a part of the new first throughfourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 from the first through fourth pulsegenerators 113 and 114. The first antenna unit 115 outputs the receiveddefault detection pulse DDP and at least a portion of the received newfirst through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

The first antenna unit 115 receives a communication pulse CCP from thecommunication pulse generation unit 117. The first antenna unit 115outputs the received communication pulse CCP to the card 120. The firstantenna unit 115 also receives a reflection signal from the card 120.The reflection signal is a signal generated by a card detected throughthe default detection pulse DDP or the new first through fourthdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4. The first antenna unit 115 outputs areflection signal to the card detection unit 116.

If the card 120 is detected by the default detection signal DDP or thenew first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the communicationpulse generation unit 116 outputs the communication pulse CCP to thefirst antenna unit 115.

The communication pulse generation unit 117 may be included in thesecond pulse generation unit 130. In some example embodiments, the cardreader 100 may not include the communication pulse generation unit 117.

The card detection unit 116 may outputs the control signal CNTL to thetimer 111 according to the reflection signal received from the firstantenna unit 115. For example, if the card 120 is detected by thedefault detection pulse DDP, the first antenna unit 115 may output thereflection signal to the card detection unit 116, and the card detectionunit 116 may output the control signal CNTL to the timer 111 accordingto the reflection signal. The timer 111 may generate the clock signalsCLK1˜CLK5 according to the control signal CNTL.

If the card 120 is detected by the default detection signal DDP or thenew first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the card detectionunit 116 receives a reflection signal from the card 120. The carddetection unit 116 outputs the controls signal CNTL to the timer 111according to the reflection signal. The card detection unit 116 controlsan output of the second through fifth clock signals CLK2˜CLK5 of thetimer 111 through the control signal CNTL.

The card 120 may include a second antenna unit 121. The card 120 may bea contactless integrated circuit (IC) card such that the card reader 110may detect the card without direct contact therebetween. However,example embodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto.If the card 120 exists within a communication distance of the cardreader 110, it can be detected by the default detection signal DDP orthe new first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

The second antenna unit 121 can receive the default detection signal DDPor the new first through fourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 from the cardreader 110. If the second antenna unit 121 receives the defaultdetection signal DDP or the new first through fourth detection pulsesNDP1˜NDP4, the second antenna unit 121 outputs the reflection signal tothe card reader 110.

As a size of the first antenna unit 115 of the card reader 110 inaccordance with a first embodiment is reduced, a communication distancethat the card 120 can be detected may be reduced. Thus, conventionally,the card 120 may not detect the default detection pulse DDP output bythe card reader 110, and, therefore, the card 120 may not generate thereflection signal. In contrast, in one or more example embodiments, thecard reader 110 outputs at least a portion of the new first throughfourth detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 to detect the card 120.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are block diagrams illustrating a new detection pulse inaccordance with some example embodiments of the inventive concepts and astructure of the detection pulse using the detection pulse.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, a constitution of a new detection pulseNDP is the same as that of the new first through fourth detection pulsesNDP1˜NDP4 to detect the card 120.

The new detection pulse NDP of FIG. 2A is formed by modifying acommunication pulse CCP. The communication pulse CCP may communicatewith four kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV depending on acommand CMD.

The communication pulse CCP may include a first guard time area GT1, thecommand CMD and a second guard time area GT2.

The first guard time area GT1 may be a time that the card reader 110supplies power to the card 120. Since the card 120 may not generatepower, the card reader 110 may provide power for responding to a pulseduring the first guard time GT1.

The second guard time area GT2 is a time of waiting a response of thecard 120. That is, a time that a reflection signal output from the card120 receiving the communication pulse CCP waits a reception to the cardreader 110.

The command CMD includes information of the communication pulse CCP. Thefour kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV may include four kindsof commands REQA, REQB, SENSEF_FEQ and INVENTORY respectively.

A level of the communication pulse CCP is higher than a level of thedefault detection pulse DDP. Thus, the card 120 may be able to detectthe communication pulse CCP further away from the card reader 110 ascompared with the default detect pulse DDP. However, the communicationpulse CCP has a longer duration time compared with the default detectpulse DDP. Due to the relatively high level of the communication pulseCCP, the card reader may consume relatively more power to transmit thecommunication pulse CCP. However, in at least some example embodiments,the card reader 110 may generate a new detection pulse NDP that reducesthe first and second guard time areas GT1 and GT2.

The new detection pulse NDP may include a first guard time area GT1′,the command CMD and a second guard time area GT2′.

The first and second guard time areas GT1′ and GT2′ of the new detectionpulse NDP may be smaller than the first and second guard time areas GT1and GT2 of the communication pulse CCP. A signal level of the newdetection pulse NDP may be the same as a signal level of thecommunication pulse CCP. However, example embodiments of the inventiveconcepts are not limited thereto. The command CMD of the new detectionpulse NDP may be the same as a command CMD of the communication pulseCCP. However, example embodiments of the inventive concepts are notlimited thereto.

Referring to FIG. 2B, a detection pulse in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts may include the default detectionpulse DDP and the new detection pulse NDP which are continuously outputduring a certain period of time.

For example, the card reader 110 may output the default detection pulseDDP is output at regular intervals during a first time t1. If the card120 is not detected by the default detection pulse DDP, the card reader110 may output the new detection pulse NDP after the first time t1. Thecard reader 110 may generate the new detection pulse NDP by modifyingthe communication pulse CCP that can communicate with the four kinds ofcards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV respectively.

For example, the card reader 110 may generate the new detection pulseNDP such that the new detection pulse NDP includes a plurality ofdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 which are made by modifying the communicationpulse CCP that can communicate with the four kinds of cards TYPEA,TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV respectively. However, example embodiments of theinventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, the newdetection pulse NDP may include only a part of the new detection pulsesNDP1˜NDP4. The new detection pulse NDP may include four or more kinds ofdetection pulses depending on the type of card 120 supported by the cardreader 110.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a second example embodiment of the inventiveconcepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, a wireless communication system 200 mayinclude a card reader 210 and a card 220.

The card reader 210 may include an RF Unit 215, a first pulse generatingunit 212, a second pulse generating unit 230, a card detection unit 216and a timer 211. Further, the card 220 may include a second RF unit 221.

The wireless communication system 200 is similar to the wirelesscommunication system 100 of FIG. 1 except the card reader 210 may notinclude the communication pulse generation unit 117. In contrast,through first through fourth pulse generators 213 and 214 included inthe second pulse generating unit 230 may generate the communicationpulse CCP for communicating with the card 220.

FIG. 4 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 4, a detection pulse in accordance with thefirst example embodiment of the inventive concepts may include thedefault detection pulse DDP and the first new detection pulse NDP1.

The card reader (110, 210) may output the default detection pulse DDPfor an output time of a first time t1 at regular output intervals. Forexample, the default detection pulse DDP can be output at intervals of500 ms during 2 s through 3 s. The output intervals and a period of thedefault detection pulse DDP is not limited thereto. If the card (120,220) is not detected during the output time of the default detectionpulse DDP, the card reader (110, 210) may output the first new detectionpulse NDP1.

The card reader (110, 210) may generate the first new detection pulseNDP1 by modifying the communication pulse CCP that can communicate withone of the four kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV. Thedefault detection pulse DDP can be used to detect all the four kinds ofcards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV. However, the first new detectionpulse NDP1 may only be able to be used to detect one of the four kindsof cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV. Thus, the card reader 210supporting one kind of card 220 can use a detection pulse in accordancewith the first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Therefore, the detection pulse in accordance with the first exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts may recognize the card (120, 220)at a greater communication distance. For example, if the card (120, 220)is detected through the first new detection pulse NDP1, the card reader(110, 210) can detect one of the four kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEFand TYPEV.

FIG. 5 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a second example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, a card detection pulse in accordancewith the second example embodiment of the inventive concepts may includethe default detection pulse DDP lasting for a first time t1 and firstand second new detection pulses NDP1 and NDP2, respectively.

The card reader (110, 210) may generate the card detection pulse suchthat, within the card detection pulse, the default detection pulse DDPis output for a first output time t1 at regular output intervals. Thedefault detection pulse DDP can be output at intervals of 500 ms during2 s through 3 s. The output interval and a period of the defaultdetection pulse DDP is not limited thereto. If the card reader (110,210) does not detect the card (120, 220) during the output time t1 ofthe default detection pulse DDP, the card reader (110, 210) maysequentially output the first and second new detection pulses NDP1 andNDP2.

The card reader (110, 210) may generate the first and second newdetection pulses NDP1 and NDP2 by modifying a communication pulse CCPcommunicating with one of the four kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEFand TYPEV. For example, the card reader (110, 210) may obtain each ofthe first and second new detection pulses NDP1 and NDP2 by modifyingdifferent communication pulses CCP.

The card detection pulse in accordance with the second exampleembodiment of the inventive concepts may be used in the card reader(110, 210) supporting communication with two kinds of cards among thefour kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV.

The card reader (110, 210) may utilize the card detection pulse inaccordance with the second example embodiment of the inventive conceptsto not only detect the card (120, 220) but also distinguish the type ofthe card (120, 220).

For instance, if the card reader (110, 210) generates the first newdetection pulse NDP1 by modifying the communication pulse CCPcommunicating with the first card TYPEA, then, if the card reader (110,210) detects the card (120, 220) through the first new detection pulseNDP1, the card reader (110, 210) may identify the card (120, 220) as thefirst card TYPEA.

Likewise, if the card reader (110, 210) generates the second newdetection pulse NDP2 by modifying the communication pulse CCPcommunicating with the second card TYPEB, then, if the card reader (110,210) detects the card (120, 220) through the second new detection pulseNDP2, the card reader (110, 210) may identify the card (120, 220) as thesecond card TYPEB.

If the card (120, 220) is not detected while the default detectionpulsed DDP and the first and second new detection pulses NDP1 and NDP2are output, the card reader (110, 210) may repeatedly output the defaultdetection pulse DDP and the first and second new detection pulses NDP1and NDP2 until the card (120, 220) is detected.

FIG. 6 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a third example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, a card detection pulse in accordancewith the third example embodiment of the inventive concepts may includethe default detection pulse DDP lasting for a first time t1 and firstthrough third new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP3.

The card reader (110, 210) may output the default detection pulse DDP atregular intervals for the first time t1. If the card reader (110, 210)does not detect the card (120, 220) during the first time t1, the cardreader (110, 210) sequentially outputs the first through third newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP3.

The card reader (110, 210) may generate each of the first through thirdnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP3 modifying a communication pulse CCP thatcan communicate with three kinds of cards among the four kinds of cardsTYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV.

If the card (120, 220) is not detected while the first through third newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP3 are output, the card reader (110, 210) mayrepeatedly output the default detection pulse DDP and the first throughthird new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP3.

FIG. 7 is a timing diagram illustrating a card detection pulse inaccordance with a fourth example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 7, a card detection pulse in accordancewith the fourth example embodiment of the inventive concepts may includethe default detection pulse DDP lasting for a first time t1 and firstthrough fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

The card reader (110, 210) may output the default detection pulse DDP atregular intervals for the first time t1. If the card reader (110, 210)does not detect the card (120, 220) during the first time t1, the cardreader (110, 210) sequentially outputs the first through fourth newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

The card reader (110, 210) may generate each of the first through thirdnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP3 by modifying a communication pulse CCPthat can communicate with the four kinds of cards TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEFand TYPEV.

If the card (120, 220) is not detected while the first through fourthnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 are output, the card reader (110, 210)may repeatedly output the default detection pulse DDP and the firstthrough fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a card detection method inaccordance with a first example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, in operation S110, the first pulsegeneration unit (112, 212) of the card reader (110, 210) generates thedefault detection pulse DDP and the first antenna unit (115, 215)outputs the default detection pulse DDP to the outside. For example, thefirst pulse generation unit (112, 212) may generate the defaultdetection pulse DDP and provide the default detection pulse DDP to thefirst antenna unit (115, 215) at regular intervals for the first timet1.

In operation S120, the card reader (110, 210) determines whether thecard (120, 220) is detected. If the card (120, 220) exists within acommunication distance of the card reader (110, 210), the card reader(110, 210) may detect the card (120, 220) through a reflection signalgenerated by the card (120, 220) in response to the default detectionpulse DDP.

For example, if the card (120, 220) exists within the communicationdistance of the card reader (110, 210), the second antenna unit (121,221) of the card (120, 220) may receive the default detection pulse DDP.After receiving the default detection pulse DDP, the card (120, 220) mayoutput the reflection signal to the card reader (110, 210). If the cardreader (110, 210) receives the reflection signal, a card detectionoperation of the card reader (110, 210) may end.

In operation S130, if the card reader (110, 210) does not detect thecard (120, 220) using the default detection pulse DDP, the card reader(110, 210) may output a new detection pulse NDP to detect the card (120,220).

For example, the card reader (110, 210) can generate at least a portionof the first through fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 through thefirst through fourth pulse generation units (113, 114, 213, 214),respectively, and provide at least a portion first through fourth newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 to the first antenna unit (115, 215). Thecard reader (110, 210) may selectively output the first through fourthnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 output according to the card (120, 220)supported by the card reader (110, 210) among the four kinds of cardsTYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV. The card reader (110, 210) can detectfour or more kinds of cards and thereby output four or more newdetection pulses. The first antenna unit (115, 215) may output at leasta portion of the first through fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 tothe outside.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication systemin accordance with a third example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 9, a wireless communication system 300 inaccordance with the third example embodiment of the inventive conceptsadds a card type detection unit 317 to the card reader 210 of FIG. 3.The wireless communication system 300 includes a card reader 310 and acard 320.

The card reader 310 may include a timer 311, a first pulse generationunit 312, first through fourth pulse generators 313 and 314, a firstantenna unit 315, a card detection unit 316, and a card type detectionunit 317. The first through fourth pulse generators 313 and 314 may becalled a second pulse generation unit 330. A drive method of the cardreader 310 is similar to that of the card reader 210 of FIG. 3. The cardreader 310 can detect the type of card.

The card reader 310 may detect the card 320 using first through fourthnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 output from the first through fourthpulse generators 313 and 314. For example, if the card 320 receives oneof the first through fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the card 320may output a reflection signal to the card reader 310. The reflectionsignal may be received to the card detection unit 316 and the card typedetection unit 317. If the reflection signal is received, the carddetection unit 316 stops an output of first through fifth clock signalsCLK1˜CLK5 of the timer 311. The card type detection unit 317 can judgethe type (TYPEA, TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV) of card.

A communication pulse CCP for communicating with the card 320 can beoutput from the first through fourth pulse generators 313 and 314. Thisis selected according to the type of the card 320. However, exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts are not limited thereto. Forexample, the card reader 310 may include the communication pulsegeneration unit 117 illustrated in FIG. 1. The communication pulsegeneration unit 117 can selectively output the communication pulse CCPcorresponding to the type of card detected by the card type detectionunit 317.

If a card is detected, a general card reader outputs all thecommunication pulses with respect to the four kinds of cards TYPEA,TYPEB, TYPEF and TYPEV. However, according to some example embodimentsof the inventive concepts, the card reader 310 may be configured todetect the type of card 320 through the first through fourth newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4. Thus, the card reader 310 can output acommunication pulse CCP according to the type of card to reduce powerconsumption. Therefore, the card reader 310 may improve the functioningof the card reader 310 itself.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart illustrating a card detection method inaccordance with a second example embodiment of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 10, in operation S210, the card reader 310outputs the default detection pulse DDP. For example, the pulsegeneration unit 312 of the card reader 310 outputs the default detectionpulse DDP to the first antenna unit 315. The first antenna unit 315outputs the default detection pulse CCP to the outside.

In operation S220, the card reader 310 determines whether the card 320is detected. If the card 320 receives the default detection pulse DDP,the card 320 may output a reflection signal. If the card reader 310receives the reflection signal, a card detection process may end.

In operation S230, if the card 320 is not detected by the defaultdetection pulse DDP, the card reader 310 may output a new detectionpulse NDP and determine whether the new detection pulse NDP is receivedby the card 320. Each of the first through fourth detection pulsegenerators 313 and 314 can output at least a portion of the firstthrough fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4. At least a portion of thefirst through fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 is output to theoutside through the first antenna unit 315.

If the card 320 does not receive at least a portion of the first throughfourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the card 320 may not output areflection signal. Thus, the card reader 310 may repeat an outputoperation of the default detection pulse DDP.

If the card 320 is detected by at least a portion of the first throughfourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the card 320 may output areflection signal to the card reader 310. For example, the first antennaunit 315 may receive the reflection signal and transmit the reflectionsignal to the card type detection unit 317 of the card reader 310.

In operation 5240, the card type detection unit 317 may distinguish thetype of the card 320 based on the reflection signal transmitted theretoin response to one of the first through fourth new detection pulsesNDP1˜NDP4 generated by the card reader 310. Thus, the card typedetection unit 317 can distinguish the type of the card 320 by receivinga corresponding reflection signal among the first through fourth newdetection pulses NDP1˜NDP4.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating a new detection signal outputmethod in accordance with some example embodiments of the inventiveconcepts.

Referring to FIGS. 4 through 11, in operation 5310, the card reader 310outputs a new detection pulse NDP. One of the first through fourthdetection pulse generators 313 and 314 outputs one of the first throughfourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4. One of the first through fourthnew detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 is output to the outside through thefirst antenna unit 315.

In operation 5320, the card reader 310 checks whether the card 320 isdetected. For example, the card reader 310 checks whether a reflectionsignal is received. If the card 320 is detected through one of the firstthrough fourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4, the card 320 outputs thereflection signal. If the reflection signal output from the card 320 isnot received by the card reader 310, the card reader 310 may outputanother detection pulse NDP. For example, the card reader 310 may outputa different pulse from among the first through fourth new detectionpulses NDP1˜NDP4. The card reader 310 outputs one of the first throughfourth new detection pulses NDP1˜NDP4 which are not output and thenchecks whether the card 320 is detected. The card reader 310 maysequentially output the first through fourth new detection pulsesNDP1˜NDP4 until it is checked whether the card 320 is detected.

In operation S330, if the card reader 310 detects the card 320, then thecard reader 310 may detect the type of the card 320. For example, thecard type detection unit 317 of the card reader 310 can detect the typeof the card 320 through a reflection signal output from the card 320.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a portable terminal including awireless communication system in accordance with some exampleembodiments of the inventive concepts.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 12, a portable terminal 1000 may include anNFC module 1100. The portable terminal 1000 can operate as the cardreader (110, 210, 310) and/or the card (120, 220, 320) by including theNFC module 1100. In a card detection operation, the NFC module 1100 cansecure a communication distance between an external device and the cardreader by outputting the new detection pulse NDP that may be detectableby a card at a greater communication distance.

According to some example embodiments of the inventive concepts, a cardreader compensating the maximum wireless communication distance using anew detection pulse while reducing power consumption and a carddetection method of the card reader are provided. As a result, the cardreader having an improved card detection efficiency may be provided.

Although not illustrated, the card reader 110, 210, 310 may include aprocessor and a memory (not shown).

The memory may be any device capable of storing data including magneticstorage, flash storage, etc. The processor may be any device capable ofprocessing data including, for example, a microprocessor configured tocarry out specific operations by performing arithmetical, logical, andinput/output operations based on input data, or capable of executinginstructions included in computer readable code stored in the memory.

The processor may be a logic chip, for example, a central processingunit (CPU), a controller, or an application-specific integrated circuit(ASIC), that when, executing the instructions stored in the memory,configures the processor as a special purpose machine to perform theoperations illustrated in one or more of FIGS. 8, 10 and 11, discussedabove.

For example, the instructions may configure the processor to perform thefunctions of one or more of the first pulse generating unit (112, 212,312), the second pulse generating unit (130, 230, 330) the carddetection unit (116, 216, 316), the timer (111, 211, 311) and the cardtype detection unit (117, 317). Therefore, the processor may generateand output the first detection pulse DDP, and if a reflection signal isnot received from the card (120, 220, 320) in response thereto, theprocessor may generate and output one or more second detection pulsesNDP having greater signal strengths than the first detection pulse DDPbut a shorter duration than the communication pulse CCP due to shorterguard times (GT1, GT2) associated therewith, and determine if thereflection signal is received from the card (120, 220, 320) in responsethereto. Therefore, the card reader (110, 210, 310) may improve thefunctioning of a card reader itself by increasing the communicationdistance a card may be read while reducing power consumption.

The above-disclosed subject matter is to be considered illustrative, andnot restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all suchmodifications, enhancements, and other example embodiments, which fallwithin the true spirit and scope of the example embodiments of theinventive concepts. Thus, to the maximum extent allowed by law, thescope of the example embodiments of the inventive concepts is to bedetermined by the broadest permissible interpretation of the followingclaims and their equivalents, and shall not be restricted or limited bythe foregoing detailed description.

What is claimed is:
 1. A card reader for wirelessly communicating with acard, the card reader comprising: a first pulse generation unitconfigured to generate a first detection pulse for detecting the card; asecond pulse generation unit configured to generate at least one seconddetection pulse for detecting the card based on at least onecommunication pulse that is used to communicate with the card; and acard detection unit configured to detect the card based on a reflectionsignal received in response to the first detection pulse or the at leastone second detection pulse.
 2. The card reader of claim 1, wherein thesecond pulse generation unit includes at least one detection pulsegenerator configured to generate the at least one second detection pulseor the at least one communication pulse.
 3. The card reader of claim 2,wherein the second pulse generation unit further comprises acommunication pulse generation unit configured to generate the at leastone communication pulse if the card detection unit detects the card inresponse to one of the first detection pulse and the at least one seconddetection pulse.
 4. The card reader of claim 1, further comprising atimer configured to periodically output a plurality of clock signals tothe first pulse generation unit and the second pulse generation unit. 5.The card reader of claim 4, wherein if the reflection signal is receivedfrom the card, the card detection unit is configured to output a controlsignal to the timer and to instruct the timer to stop outputting theclock signals.
 6. The card reader of claim 1, wherein the at least onecommunication pulse comprises: a command for communicating with one of atype TYPEA card, a TYPEB card, a TYPEF card and a TYPEV card; a firstguard time area in which power is applied to the card; and a secondguard time area in which the card reader waits for a response from thecard.
 7. The card reader of claim 6, wherein the card reader isconfigured to generate the at least one second detection pulse byreducing the first and second guard time areas of the at least onecommunication pulse.
 8. The card reader of claim 1, wherein the cardreader is configured to generate the at least one second detection pulsesuch that the at least one second detection pulse has a signal levelhigher than a signal level of the first detection pulse.
 9. The cardreader of claim 1, further comprising a card type detection unitconfigured to determine a type of the card based on the reflectionsignal received from the card, if the card reader detects the card inresponse to the first detection pulse or the at least one seconddetection pulse.
 10. The card reader of claim 1, wherein the secondpulse generation unit is configured to generate the at least one seconddetection pulse to detect the card, if the card is not detected inresponse to the first detection pulse.
 11. An operation method of a cardreader configured to detect a card comprising: generating a firstdetection pulse for detecting the card; periodically outputting thefirst detection pulse to detect the card; determining whether the cardis detected; generating at least one second detection pulse by modifyingat least one communication pulse used to communicate with the card; andsequentially outputting the at least one second detection pulse based onwhether the card is detected.
 12. The operation method of claim 11,wherein the outputting the at least one second detection pulse furthercomprises: outputting a first one of the at least one second detectionpulse; determining whether the card is detected; and outputting a secondone of the at least one second detection pulse based on whether the cardis detected in response to the first one of the at least one seconddetection pulse.
 13. The operation method of claim 12, furthercomprising: determining a type of the card, if the card is detected inresponse to the first detection pulse or the at least one seconddetection pulse.
 14. The operation method of claim 12, furthercomprising outputting the first detection pulse again, if the cardreader does not detect the card in response to one of the at least onesecond detection pulse.
 15. A card reader comprising: an antenna; and aprocessor configured to, output, via the antenna, a first detectionpulse to detect a card, and output, via the antenna, at least one seconddetection pulse if the card is not detected by the first detectionpulse, the at least one second detection pulse being generated using atleast one communication pulse associated with communicating with thecard.
 16. The card reader of claim 15, wherein the processor isconfigured to detect the card by waiting for receipt of a reflectionsignal from the card in response to the card receiving one of the firstdetection pulse and the at least one second detection pulse.
 17. Thecard reader of claim 15, wherein the card reader is configured tosupport near field communication to communicate data with the card usingthe at least one communication pulse after the card is detected.
 18. Thecard reader of claim 15, wherein the card reader is configured togenerate the at least one second detection pulse such that the at leastone second detection pulse has a signal level higher than a signal levelof the first detection pulse and guard times shorter than the at leastone communication pulse, and the card reader is configured to supplypower to the card during a first one of the guard times, and wait for aresponse from the card during a second one of the guard times.
 19. Thecard reader of claim 17, wherein the response from the card is areflection signal generated in response to one of the first detectionpulse and the at least one second detection pulse.
 20. The card readerof claim 15, wherein the processor is configured to modify guard timesassociated with the at least one communication pulse to generate the atleast one second detection pulse such that the at least one seconddetection pulse has guard times associated therewith that are shorterthan the guard times associated with the at least one communicationpulse.